Disorders of gut-brain interaction, or DGBI, refers to a group of disorders characterized by chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, in the absence of structural disease that readily explains the symptoms. The symptoms are thought to originate from any combination of gastrointestinal motility disturbance, visceral hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function, altered gut microbiota or altered processing of visceral signals in the brain.

Previously, these were referred to as “functional gastrointestinal disorders” (FGID). The terminology was changed because the word “functional” is both nonspecific and potentially stigmatizing for being viewed as “nonorganic” or even psychiatric. This perception reflects historical dualistic principles that distinguish between “organic” disorders, considered tangible, and “functional” disorders, which are poorly understood and often labeled psychosomatic or even psychiatric. The understanding of these disorders has evolved over the years from absence of traditional organic disease to disorders of disordered gastrointestinal function and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, and this is reflected in the new terminology.

Moreover, the change in nomenclature from FGID to DGBI relied on a Delphi method of decision-making, which positively reflects current non-stigmatizing scientific knowledge and evolving understanding that multiple pathophysiological processes, in part or together, determine the symptom features that characterize the Rome classification of disorders.

The Rome V consensus defined a total of 25 DGBI in adults and 27 DGBI in children. Among the DGBI, the best known are the irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia and chronic constipation.